I did a phone/web shop for Goodwin. It was targeted, with follow up emails,and recorded phone calls. I did every evaluation and submitted all electronic communication on the report. I had to submit them in two forms, PDF and jpeg. because of the way the website only allowed for so many uploads. I got declined, because I was told only one attachment was sent. I explained to the client services assistant, Daniel Bellone that I DID submit all attachments, and where they were found on the report. He refuses to accept the shop, even after I emailed him the attachments again, saying, "Our client cannot accept incomplete shops that are overdue..."

He never verified if he looked for the attachments again, and has all my very detailed feedback, and two recorded phone calls for his client, and I am out my $30. This was my second attempt at trying Goodwin, because they declined my first shop as well, stating I was late, when I was not hearing back from the phone contact in that shop. Does anyone else have this unreasonable relationship with Goodwin, or any recourse to get my pay?

Thanks

I've never had any issues with Goodwin. I've always submitted my shops and heard nothing back until my payment arrived. My only frustration is that I've applied for some higher end shops and not been able to get them. I probably just need to do a few more fancy restaurants before they'll let me do the opera....

How frustrating! Can you talk to a supervisor?

I got into similar story with high end shops. I asked a question to my scheduler and he canceled that shop citing they assign it to me automatically without his and customers knowledge.

I just experienced a similar thing today with the same shop (based on the description of calls, emails, $30, and being denied by the same person.) The reason I was given was my documents were "not submitted in PDF" ...but they were...also wanting to figure out who to go to next as far as a supervisor or review. I was first contacted a few days ago, told of a size issue, tried to make a correction via email, heard nothing about my correction for days then a flat denial today.

I always always always save my reports by "Print to PDF" right before I submit them. That way you can produce the report which you have submitted - with proof of what went in to it.

This has come to my rescue more than a few times! Another extra step? Yep - but sure worth it! Especially when/if the editors come back with questions.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/30/2017 10:21AM by Chix.

Unfortunately there are companies out there who make many excuses not to pay the shopper and who will use the report anyway. I've been down that road before.

I think, but am not positive, it was back in 2009, that I applied for my first and only work through Goodwin. I was to visit two motels, one of which I drove by on the way to work and the other a mere five miles out of my way, for re-branding pics at $25 per location. After receiving the job, I researched the company, which I should have done before applying, only to learn they were several months behind on paying shoppers; I immediately canceled the assignments. The following day the scheduler phoned me to inquiry as to my reason, which I explained. She, though, rather than to accept my decision, promised me I would be paid from a special fund. Realizing that a desperate person might lie, I declined and requested my deactivation. I absolutely never give second chances in either business or romance.

Thank you for this, the fee tempted me but the multiple steps held me back. I hope both of you get them to make good.

Shopperbob is right about Goodwin's past payment problems. About 5 years ago, I didn't work for them because they did not pay on time. There's quite a history of posts about Goodwin here on the forum. Some of the Goodwin staffers went through a period of frequent posting here on the forum, arguing about how late the late payments were and promising that they were changing. Finally, Goodwin staffers stopped the ridiculous arguing posts and cut out the promises to pay on time and actually started paying on time. When I started to hear from longtime shoppers that they were no longer having payment issues, I started working for them. I've not had problems with them paying on time. I so far have not had any problems or issues with payment.

I did this dreaded shop as well. Never paid me

@sbobgal wrote:

How frustrating! Can you talk to a supervisor?

I have tried two other contacts at the company, but they both send auto emails saying they are out of the office. I know with the holiday this could be true, so I will wait and update this post if I get any feedback. Thanks to all!

I've sent emails to them regarding a regular shop and have not heard back, when they've usually been responsive. I wonder if it's a harbinger ?

An update... I got an email from the supervisor over the project, and she declined my shop again. Only thing is, the first reason given was an email was missing from the report. Now the reason is a proposal was not attached!

Story changed, I got no pay, and I'm ticked! Got her managers name at Goodwin, we'll see how that goes...

Absolutely find out what is going on. As you said, point out that their story has changed and to prove to you that you did something wrong, and if so, does it warrant not getting paid. I really wonder if they are getting shakier now.

Well I'm glad they declined to assign me for this shop.

Mod note: Post removed as it breached the Forum guideline which states, "Do not reveal the clients of mystery shopping companies". Additionally, it is usually an ICA violation to name both the MSC and client.

@MysteryMaven wrote:

I did this dreaded shop as well. Never paid me

Very dreaded! So many hours involved and they refuse to pay us for our time?? What the hell!

Ten days later you couldn't just verify your times? I'm sorry, but times are not hard to confirm and a ten day old shop does not qualify as old. If you submitted your shop electronically, you should have the copy on your device unless you delete them immediately after submission. I don't like to hang onto paper, but my electronic receipts and POV are kept forever and I don't get rid paper receipts until a shop has been paid.

lisastl covered receipt issue. i missed it was only 10 days.i have dig copies of receipts & completed reports.

Well I took my time following up with Goodwin's manager, Randi Hardiman on this phone shop, detailing the whole story, and the team's errors. Randi just flatly responded with another denial stating a combo of reasons as why my shop was incorrectly submitted.

I am through with this company, and want the community here to know how poorly Goodwin handled my report, and will not pay.

@LisaSTL wrote:

Ten days later you couldn't just verify your times? I'm sorry, but times are not hard to confirm and a ten day old shop does not qualify as old. If you submitted your shop electronically, you should have the copy on your device unless you delete them immediately after submission. I don't like to hang onto paper, but my electronic receipts and POV are kept forever and I don't get rid paper receipts until a shop has been paid.

A report 10 days old can be very old; think of the report like a newspaper, and 10 days is way too late. It depends on the shop.

This is what I tell myself, because how else to rationalize the constant demand for reporting times. "You must..." "Must be completed by ..." It's all demands. The MSCs make all promises to their clients to get those contracts, and then the workers (us) are out in the field, sweating the heat, dodging the raindrops to keep their promises.

Lisa meant that you should not have any problem coming up with a verification of times after only 10 days. Yes, 10 days to the MSC might be old (as in that's why you need to have your shop submitted in 24 hours), but most shoppers keep notes, receipts, and other documentation for at least 3 months.

I just did a small job for Goodwin today through ISS, and immediately received an email from Randi Hadiman telling me report went through and thanked me. I am not anticipating problems. I think they have resolved their problems, everyone deserves a second chance....one rough job job hat you choose to do shouldn't reflect on Goodwin's past.

I've had good luck with Goodwin. I like their shops and I like that they use ISS which I find very user friendly and easy. It's a huge time saver. That said, companies are different. My first one I used was Goodwin so their style is what I know. I later did shops for Sentry and they told me, "Even if it sound redundant, you need to verify the question." So for example, if the item asked, "Did the representative offer you an espresso or water" and you check "no" in the text box, Sentry wanted me to restate it. So I literally had to go down the list and say, "No, I was not offered an espresso or water. Yes, I was shown to the door. No, I was not asked if I had been there before.."

You get the picture.

But then another company I worked with, that I did the same thing in the answers, HATED it. They emailed me and said, "Please don't restate the question. Provide more details if necessary but if you are going to add comments, please add something new." Or something like that.

My point. You may have got into a certain style of reporting that one company liked, that another company didn't like. Clients are going to like different types of reports, so there are different secret shopper companies. Very unfortunately, you also have to adapt to the different companies requirements. To avoid this, I just stick with three companies that I like, because the learning curve is steep and I don't want to risk not getting paid. My favorite companies are Goodwin, Intelli-Shop, and A Closer Look. I used to like Bestmark but they are all car dealerships now and I'd rather kill myself than go anywhere near a car dealership.

My point. You may have got into a certain style of reporting that one company liked, that another company didn't like. Clients are going to like different types of reports, so there are different secret shopper companies. Very unfortunately, you also have to adapt to the different companies requirements. To avoid this, I just stick with three companies that I like, because the learning curve is steep and I don't want to risk not getting paid. My favorite companies are Goodwin, Intelli-Shop, and A Closer Look. I used to like Bestmark but they are all car dealerships now and I'd rather kill myself than go anywhere near a car dealership.[/quote]

rothers27,

I'm glad for any shopper who has had "good luck," with Goodwin or any other MSC... but the point of my thread here was the erroneous way Goodwin handled my report. I know I gave a very well detailed report on the many points of communication during this phone shop. And with the different reasons all 3 of their representatives gave for declining my pay, none mentioned my style or content. General mystery shopping advice noted.

Have you launched a complaint with the BBB or told them you would file a small claims court lawsuit? Try it. You'll get your money.

Give them a review on yelp! So that others know to beware. [www.yelp.com]

Write them a review on Google reviews as that shows up when you Google them.
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